Armless archer Sheetal Devi, First Indian woman to win 2 Asian Para Games Gold
Meet Sheetal Devi, a remarkable 16-year-old archer from the state of Jammu & Kashmir, who overcame significant challenges to make India proud on the international stage at the Asian Para Games 2023 in Hangzhou. Sheetal was born with Phocomelia, a rare congenital disorder that led to underdeveloped limbs, leaving her without hands. Despite this, she possesses the essential qualities for archery: skill, precision, vision, concentration, and control.
Sheetal's path to becoming a celebrated para-athlete started in her childhood when she enjoyed climbing trees. This leisure activity not only brought her joy but also significantly strengthened her upper body, improved her athleticism, and caught the attention of scouts during a local event organized by the Indian Army in 2021.
I will never,EVER again complain about petty problems in my life. #SheetalDevi you are a teacher to us all. Please pick any car from our range & we will award it to you & customise it for your use. pic.twitter.com/JU6DOR5iqs
— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) October 28, 2023
Initially, there was hope that Sheetal could use a prosthetic arm to participate in sports, but it didn't fit her unique situation. However, Sheetal's mentors and guides refused to give up.
Her coaches, Abhilasha Chaudhary and Kuldeep Vedwan, drew inspiration from Strutzman's technique and adapted it to Sheetal's needs. They modified a releaser into a shoulder releaser and designed a string mechanism that allowed her to use her chin and mouth to pull the trigger and release the arrow.
With determination and relentless practice, Sheetal increased the number of shots she took daily, starting with just 50 and progressing to 300 on a regular basis. Six months later, she achieved a silver medal in the Para Open Nationals in Sonepat, followed by several gold medals and a second-place finish in the Para Games.
Congratulations to our Para Archers, Sheetal Devi and Sarita, for securing a splendid Silver Medal in the Women's Doubles Compound Event. India celebrates this well-deserved success. pic.twitter.com/Z5HNNlxDeU
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 25, 2023
Sheetal Devi's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and the human spirit. She has not only defied the odds but also become an inspiration to many, making India proud with her extraordinary achievements in archery.
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